Contemporary Society and Politics Journal

Ancient Manuscripts of Kerinci: Aksara Incung in the Course of History

Indra Muhammad Gandi — 2024-12-29

Each region has numerous historical sites developed as a form of cultural heritage preservation, including Indonesia, which is home to various ancient manuscripts. One of the most significant ancient manuscripts is the Kerinci Manuscript, written in the Incung script. The Incung script was used by the Kerinci people to document spells, customary laws, and other important records. However, this script has largely been forgotten by the younger generation of Kerinci. This study aims to explore the history, functions, and development of the Kerinci Incung script. The research employs a qualitative historical method through literature review. The findings reveal that the Incung script has a long history and diverse functions, ranging from serving as a medium for writing legal codes and historical records to oral literature. The script was inscribed on various media such as buffalo horns, bamboo, tree bark, and paper. Although it is less known today, efforts to preserve it are ongoing, including through education and cultural events. This study underscores the importance of the Incung script as a cultural heritage that needs to be preserved and developed to enrich the cultural identity of the Kerinci community.

Bridging Tradition and Religion: Traditional Recitation (Pengajian Adat) in Kerinci

Yola Haraska — 2024-12-30

This research focuses on the traditional recitations in Hiang Karya Village, known as the “three-village traditional recitation” (Hiang Karya, Hiang Tinggi, and Hiang Sakti). These recitations are typically studied by ninik mamak (traditional elders), syarak officials, village heads, and village staff from the three villages. The recitations are recognized as mixed traditional recitations, passed down through generations. Within this tradition, ninik mamak, syarak officials, village heads, village staff, and datok (former ninik mamak) learn the traditional and religious values embedded within them. Additionally, Hiang is home to a special recitation for women, known as the BKMT recitation (Badan Kontak Majelis Taklim). Hiang hosts a variety of recitations, not only those related to tradition within the traditional recitations but also those with profound religious significance. This study found that these recitations play a vital role in the lives of the Hiang community, both in preserving traditional customs and in strengthening Islamic values that serve as their guiding principles.

The Dynamics of the Anti-Shia Movement: An Analysis of International and National Geopolitics

Ali Makhsum — 2024-12-30

This study aims to analyze the dynamics of the anti-Shia movement within the context of international and national geopolitics, emphasizing how sectarian issues are exploited as tools for political, ideological, and power mobilization. The research is based on the premise that the anti-Shia movement is not merely a theological conflict but also encompasses geopolitical dimensions that affect international relations and domestic stability in Indonesia. The study employs a qualitative method with a descriptive-analytical approach. Data collection was conducted through literature studies, media analysis, and reviews of relevant documents from both primary and secondary sources. Social movement analysis was applied to understand the mobilization strategies of anti-Shia groups, while a geopolitical approach was used to evaluate the influence of international relations on the emergence of this movement in Indonesia. Furthermore, content analysis of publications in print, digital, and social media was conducted to explore the narratives and communication strategies of anti-Shia groups. The findings reveal that the anti-Shia movement is closely tied to the geopolitical dynamics of the Middle East, particularly the conflict between Sunni and Shia forces supported by state actors such as Saudi Arabia and Iran. In Indonesia, this issue has been adopted by certain groups as a political tool to bolster the dominance of specific ideologies, often leveraging religious sentiments. The study also found that media plays a critical role in amplifying anti-Shia narratives, thereby creating societal polarization. These findings underline that the anti-Shia movement cannot be understood in isolation but must be examined as part of a broader and more complex geopolitical dynamic.

Why Does Discrimination Against Indigenous Beliefs Persist in Indonesia?

Agus Nurwansyah — 2024-12-30

The number of adherents of traditional beliefs in Indonesia is approximately 12 million, spread across 27 provinces. However, despite this significant number, they have not yet been recognized by the state as equal to formal religions in the religion column on their Identity Cards (KTP). This study employs a descriptive-qualitative method based on a critical paradigm, using Antonio Gramsci’s theory of hegemony as its analytical framework. The findings reveal that state hegemony began with the consensus to label traditional beliefs as "faith streams" through the Ministry of Religion in 1961. This was followed by political, ideological, and leadership hegemony through various discriminatory laws and regulations targeting those identified as adherents of traditional beliefs. The Constitutional Court's decision to allow the inclusion of “Belief in the Almighty God” in the religion column of the KTP represents a form of resistance to hegemony through intellectual movements.